CH305/505 Early Church History

Transcription

1 Unit Outline CH305/505 Important notice While every care has been taken to ensure accuracy in the information given below, it is the personal responsibility of each student to check the current ACT Postgraduate Handbook, copies of which may be found in the Library or online at It is very important that students plan their time carefully to ensure that reading and especially assignments receive adequate attention and so as to prevent a bottleneck of work at the end of the unit. CH305/505 Early Church History It is very important that all quoted material in assignments be properly footnoted and acknowledged. The attention of students is drawn to the section in the current ACT Postgraduate Handbook, headed Academic Misconduct. Failure to comply with the standards required will incur penalties as outlined in the ACT Postgraduate Handbook. QUEENSLAND THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE The attention of students is also drawn to the section in the current ACT Postgraduate Handbook, headed Guidelines for Essays. (see also the QTC Student Handbook) All essays should comply with these standards. About this Unit Outline This unit outline contains information essential to finding your way around the unit Early Church History. It provides a structure for your learning, giving details of lecture topics, assessment requirements, and key resources. UNIT OUTLINE SEMESTER

2 EARLY CHURCH HISTORY Important notice While every care has been taken to ensure accuracy in the information given below, it is the personal responsibility of each student to check the current ACT Undergraduate or Postgraduate Handbook, copies of which may be found in the Library or online at It is very important that students plan their time carefully to ensure that reading and especially assignments receive adequate attention and so as to prevent a bottleneck of work at the end of the semester. It is very important that all quoted material in assignments be properly footnoted and acknowledged. The attention of students is drawn to the section in the current ACT Undergraduate or Postgraduate Handbook, headed Academic Misconduct. Failure to comply with the standards required will incur penalties as outlined in the ACT Undergraduate or Postgraduate Handbook. The attention of students is also drawn to the section in the current ACT Undergraduate or Postgraduate Handbook, headed Guidelines for Essays. (see also the QTC Student Handbook) All essays should comply with these standards.

3 CH305/505 Information about this unit Unit description The unit Early Church History is designed to introduce students to historical and theological developments in Christianity in the critical period between the time of the apostles and the Council of Chalcedon (451AD). It examines the social, political and economic context firstly of the rise of Christianity as an often-persecuted sect within the Roman Empire and secondly of its increasingly central position in society from the time of Constantine on. Detailed attention is given to the lives and work of several important church leaders and Christian authors from this period ( Fathers ), as well as to major attempts at doctrinal formulation which occur during this period ( patristic theology = theology of the Fathers ). Learning objectives CH305 Learning Outcomes On completion of the unit, students will: Know and understand: 1. The major phases and developments in early Church history identified in the unit content 2. The life and thought of selected key figures in early Church history For early Church history, be able to: 1. Discuss the impact of the social, political, religious and cultural context on Christian beliefs, practices and movements 2. Evaluate historical evidence using primary and secondary sources 3. Present an analytical evidence-based argument or narrative Be in a position to: 1. Inform their theological studies with perspectives from early Church history 2. Apply perspectives from early Church history to current issues in ministry and the contemporary world CH505 Learning Outcomes On completion of the unit, students will: Know and understand 1. The major phases and developments in early Church history identified in the unit content 2. The life and thought of selected key figures in early Church history 3. Interpretations of early Church history For the early Church, be able to: 1. Discuss the impact of the social, political, religious and cultural context on Christian beliefs, practices and movements 2. Evaluate historical evidence using primary and secondary sources 3. Present an analytical evidence-based argument or narrative 4. Discuss interpretations of early Church history

4 EARLY CHURCH HISTORY Be in a position to: 1. Inform their theological studies with perspectives from early Church history 2. Apply perspectives from early Church history to current issues in ministry and the contemporary world 3. Evaluate interpretations of early Church history How this Unit Contributes to the Course It is intended that students be able to grasp how the study of church history and historical theology can be a useful tool in helping us to understand how God s people can live and think as Christians in the midst of a changing world a world where social, economic and cultural factors interact constantly with our attempts at biblical study, theological formulation and faithful ministry. By examining how selected well-known Christian individuals, churches and movements sought to live as faithful Christians in their own context in the first centuries after the NT age, it is intended that we can gain greater insight into how we might do the same today. The study of the events and personalities of this period has been known to encourage many modern Christians. Also, early Christian practices of biblical interpretation, church practices and ministry have had enduring significance for Christians in all centuries since. This is all the more true of the theological discussions and debates of the time, concerning both matters pertaining to doctrine proper (e.g. Trinitarian and Christological matters) and applied or practical theology (such as questions like the proper relationship between Christian leader and congregation, the Christian and Society, or Church and State). Pre-requisites and Co-requisites There are no pre-requisites or co-requisites for CH305/505. If you have previously completed CH301/501 at another College you cannot take CH305/505. CH305 is a foundation-level (300-level) core unit in the Bachelor of Theology, Bachelor of Ministry, Diploma of Theology, Diploma of Ministry and Associate Degree of Theology (includes WordWorks). CH505 is a foundation-level core unit in the Master of Divinity, Master of Ministry, Graduate Diploma of Divinity and Graduate Certificate of Divinity. CH305/505 has no prerequisites, but cannot be taken if CH301/501 has been completed previously.

5 CH305/505 How this unit is organized & what we expect of you The unit is taught week by week right through the Semester. There are three lectures each week, each of 50 minutes duration. This unit will involve 3 hours per week of contact time, involving lectures, class discussion time, and examination of primary sources from the early church period. This unit is worth 4 credit points towards your degree. At Bachelor level, a 4 cp unit is considered to require a total time commitment of 6-8 hrs per week, and 7-9 hours at MDiv level. Please speak with the lecturer as a matter of urgency if you are finding that you need to consistently spend more time than this on CH305/505. Students are expected to attend all lectures, complete any set pre reading and complete any assessment tasks by the relevant due date. Please do be in touch as soon as you can if you anticipate having any difficulties with your assessments or with meeting the due date. Teaching staff LECTURER Rev Dr Andrew Bain E: abain@qtc.edu.au P:

6 EARLY CHURCH HISTORY Unit timetable: topics & teaching and learning activities Note: References below to BC are to The Birth of the Church, & to PF are to A Public Faith. COLLEGE WK LECTURE TOPICS READINGS WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 3 WEEK 4 PREACHING WEEK WEEK 5 WEEK 6 EASTER HOLIDAYS WEEK 7 1. Unit Introduction & How to Approach This Unit 2. Christians, Jews & Judaism 3: Intro to Early Christian Docs: The Epistle of Barnabas 1. Defining the Faith 1; Gnosticism 2. Persecution & Opposition in the Second Century 3. The Epistle of Ignatius to the Romans (BTh), The Martyrdom of Polycarp (MDiv) 1. The Apologists & their opponents 2. The 1st (MDiv) & 2nd (BTh) Apologies of Justin Martyr 3 Defining the Faith 2; Marcion & Montanus 1. Early Western / Latin Theology 2. Tertullian Part 1 3. Tertullian Part 2 No Classes 1. Clement & early Alexandrian Theology 2. Origen 3. Writing Early CH essays 1. Persecution in the 3 rd Century 2. Theology so far: what s stayed good, what s gone bad 3. Theology & Philosophy in the 3 rd Century 1. Half-time: Where Are We Up To? 2. Constantine 3. Once upon a time there was a time when he was not 2. BC, & BC, BC, BC, BC, BC, & BC, BC, BC, BC, & BC, BC, & PF, PF, 28-42

7 CH305/505 WEEK 8 WEEK 9 WEEK 10 WEEK 11 WEEK 12 WEEK Politics & Theology in the mid-4 th Century 2. Gregory of Nyssa s On the Holy Trinity & On the Godhead of the Holy Spirit (MDiv) & Eusebius Ecclesiastical History, Book 10 (excluding the Imperial Laws at the end) (BTh) 3. Ambrose of Milan & the late 4 th Century Empire 1. The Cappadocian Fathers 2. Christological Controversy & Ephesus 3. Chalcedon 1. East & West, The Interpretation of Scripture 2. John Chrysostom Homily 86 on John (BTh); Augustine Tractate 122 on John (MDiv) 3. Jerome 1. Introducing Augustine 2. Augustine s Writings 3. Augustine s Theology Some Themes 1. Donatism 2. Pelagianism 3. Life of Malchus (BTh), Life of Martin of Tours (MDiv) 1. Monasticism 2. The Rise of the bishop of Rome 3. Towards Medieval Christianity 1. PF, PF, PF, PF, PF, PF, PF, PF, PF, & & PF, PF, PF, BC, & PF, PF,

8 EARLY CHURCH HISTORY CH305 Assessments Assessments are submitted online via Moodle. In order to pass the unit, you must submit all assessment pieces and attain a mark of at least 50% for the unit as a whole. Late submission of assessment, without prior permission, will be taken into account in determining your mark. Your essays must also be within 10% of the required word limit and your ability to meet this requirement will also be taken into account in determining your mark. QTC seeks to prepare you for ministry, and in ministry delivering presentations on time & within an acceptable length are essential skills. ASSESSMENTS Essay: 2,500 words total 50% of final grade. DESCRIPTION 1. What is Irenaeus chief purpose in his Demonstration of the Apostolic Faith? How does he seek to accomplish his purpose, in what he writes? 2. Explain why the Word became incarnate, according to Athanasius in his Incarnation of the Word. 3. How should the Scriptures be read and be taught, according to Augustine in his On Christian Teaching / On Christian Doctrine? 4. According to Tertullian in The Five Books Against Marcion, what is wrong with Marcionism? 5. What kind of view of Christian leadership and ministry is given in Chrysostom s On the Priesthood? Take-Home Exam: 2,500 words total 50% of final grade The exam will have three compulsory questions in total (i.e. you will be required to answer all three questions), at least one of which will relate to developments pre-constantine, and at least one of which will relate to developments from Constantine onwards.

9 CH305/505 CH505 Assessments Assessments are submitted online via Moodle. In order to pass the unit, you must submit all assessment pieces and attain a mark of at least 50% for the unit as a whole. Late submission of assessment, without prior permission, will be taken into account in determining your mark. Your essays must also be within 10% of the required word limit and your ability to meet this requirement will also be taken into account in determining your mark. QTC seeks to prepare you for ministry, and in ministry delivering presentations on time & within an acceptable length are essential skills. ASSESSMENTS Essay: 3,000 words total 50% of final grade DESCRIPTION 1. How does Irenaeus seek to counteract Gnosticism s influence in his Against the Heretics? 2. Why does the Word need to be God in Athanasius On the Incarnation of the Word? 3. According to Augustine in his anti-pelagian writings, how is the doctrine of grace to be correctly understood? 4. What is Tertullian's view of Scripture, and approach to Scriptural interpretation, in The Five Books Against Marcion? 5. What kind of view of Christian leadership and ministry is given in Ambrose s On the Duties of the Clergy? Take-Home Exam: 3,000 words total 50% of final grade: The exam will have four compulsory questions in total (i.e. you will be required to answer all four questions), two of which will relate to developments pre-constantine, with the other two relating to developments from Constantine onwards.

10 EARLY CHURCH HISTORY Guide to Assessments Regarding the first assessment, you will notice that all of the assignment options are on key primary sources from the early Christian period. Your primary focus should very much be on what the ancient authors wrote, rather than on what scholars have written more recently about these ancient works and their authors. The main aim of the exercise is to encourage you to read and understand a major theologian of the early Christian period on an important theological topic. It is therefore not expected that you will consult a large number of resources beyond your chosen primary source, however, it would be wise to at least look at what some scholars have said about your primary source to make sure that you are on the right track in your reading of him. You will be marked primarily on how well you have understood and analyzed your primary source. For a high mark (D or HD), you will also need to have engaged well with a small number of other scholars, but your primary focus should not be on these. Your essay should show that you have accurately understood the ancient author s thinking on the matter referred to in the question, and that you have followed the logic of his argument. You should take care to make sure that you focus on what the question asks you to write about. Within some sections, your chosen author might sometimes also write about some other topics which are not relevant to the question: you need to avoid becoming preoccupied with these matters which don t relate directly to the question. The relevant selections in most of the works listed are not brief, and so you will need to work out which sections of his work that the question refers to are most relevant to your answer, and in your essay give the greatest amount of time to these. You should show some awareness of the historical context in which your author is writing about the matters he addresses. However this should not dominate your essay and you should not write large amounts about this, but instead focus on what your author actually says and how he argues his point in relation to the question set. Students should note that reading early Christian sources, especially for the first time, while take some time, especially the selections set for the CH524 assignment. It is therefore important to start your reading well ahead of the due date. The second assessment for the unit, the Take-Home Exam is quite a different kind of exercise to the assignment. The Take-Home Exam is about breadth of knowledge and understanding, rather than depth. You only have a small number of words with which to answer each question, and so you should not waste words going into highly specific details, or into any matters which are only indirectly related to the question. Your main aim in each of your take-home exam answers should be to briefly summarize the major important points in relation to the question set, in a way that directly answers the question. The take-home exam is not seen as a research exercise, and so you are not expected to do a large amount of reading for it. You should answer the questions set from what you have learnt in lectures, from the textbooks (Davidson), and if you wish a small number of other resources (which do not need to be specialist scholarly works: reference-

11 CH305/505 level and textbook-level works are fine). If you do use resources beyond the lectures and the textbook very well, this will contribute to your mark but the main thing you will be marked on will be your ability to clearly and accurately give a short answer to the question. This should be an answer which argues a case rather than just lists off or describes relevant facts and details. All direct quotations in your answers from books and articles should be footnoted, but there is no need to footnote the lectures.

12 EARLY CHURCH HISTORY Learning Resources Textbooks 1. Davidson, I. J. The Birth of the Church: From Jesus to Constantine, AD Oxford: Monarch, Davidson, I. J. A Public Faith: From Constantine to the Medieval World, AD Oxford: Monarch, Other Key Reference Texts You don t need to buy any of these. Some are listed here as useful starting points for the essays or for exam study, while others contain readings that will be used in class. However, depending on how you tend to learn as an individual student, there are one or two of these which might be worth purchasing for use in this and some of your other CH and TH. I will make some more comments on this in class. Allison, G. R. Historical Theology: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, Anatalios, K. Athanasius. London: Routledge, Augustine. On Christian Teaching. Translated by R.P.H. Green. Oxford: Oxford University Press, Ayres, L. Nicaea and its Legacy. Oxford: Oxford University Press, Beeley, C. Gregory of Nazianzus On the Trinity & the Knowledge of God. Oxford: Oxford University Press, Brandle, R. John Chrysostom: Bishop, Reformer, Martyr. Trans. J. Cawte et.al. Strathfield, NSW: St. Paul s, Brown, P. Augustine of Hippo. Rev. ed. London: Faber & Faber, Brown, P. The Rise of Western Christendom: Triumph & Diversity, AD th Anniversary Rev. ed. Chichester, Eng: John Wiley & Sons, Burtchaell, J. T. From Synagogue to Church: Public Services and Offices in the Earliest Christian Communities. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, Chadwick, H. The Early Church. London: Penguin, Cross, F. L., and E. A. Livingstone, eds. The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church 3 rd Rev. ed. Oxford, Douglas, J.D., and E.E. Cairns, eds. The New International Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2 nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, Dunn, G. D. Tertullian. London: Routledge, Fairbairn, D. Grace & Christology in the Early Church. Oxford: Oxford University Press, Ferguson, E., ed. Church, Ministry & Organization in the Early Church Era. New York: Garland, Frend, W. H. C. From Dogma to History. London: SCM, 2003.

13 CH305/505 Grant, M. The Emperor Constantine. Phoenix: Phoenix, Grant, R. M. Irenaeus of Lyons. Oxford: Routledge, Hart, T. A., ed. The Dictionary of Historical Theology. Carlisle & Grand Rapids, MI: Paternoster & Eerdmans, Harvey, S., and D. Hunter, eds. The Oxford Handbook of Early Christian Studies. Oxford: Oxford University Press, Heine, R. E. Origen: Scholarship in the Service of the Church. Oxford: Oxford University Press, Jefford, C. N. Reading the Apostolic Fathers: An Introduction. Peabody, MA.: Hendrickson, Kelly, J. N. D. Early Christian Doctrines. 5 th ed. London: A. & C. Black, Knowles, A., and P. Pachomius. Augustine and His World. Oxford: Lion, Leithart, P. J. Athanasius. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, Letham, R. The Holy Trinity. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian & Reformed, Lieu, S., and D. Montserrat, eds. Constantine: History, Historiography and Legend. London: Routledge, Malherbe, A. J., F. W. Norris, and J. W. Thompson, eds. The Early Church in its Context: Essays in Honour of Everett Ferguson. Leiden: Brill, Meconi, D. V. and E. Stump. The Cambridge Companion to Augustine. 2 nd ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, Moorhead, J. Ambrose: Church & Society in the Late Roman World. London: Longman, McGrath, A. E. Historical Theology. Oxford: Blackwell, Odahl, C. M. Constantine & the Christian Empire. London: Routledge, O Donnell, J. J. Augustine: A New Biography. New York: HarperCollins, Osborn, E. Irenaeus of Lyons. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, Osborn, E. Tertullian, First Theologian of the West. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, Petterson, A. Athanasius. London: Geoffrey Chapman, Pohlsander, H. Emperor Constantine. 2 nd ed. New York: Routledge, Ramsey, B. Ambrose. London: Routledge, Roberts, A., and J. Donaldson, eds. Ante-Nicene Fathers. Peabody, Mass.: Christian Literature Publishing Company, Reprinted late Twenthieth Century by Hendrickson & others. See Vol 1, Justin Martyr, First and Second Apologies. (Readings on the Apologies of Justin Martyr). Rousseau, P. The Early Christian Centuries. London: Longman, Schaff, P., et. al., eds. A Select Library of the Nicene and Post Nicene Fathers. Series 1. Peabody, Mass.: Christian Literature Publishing Company, vols. Repr. Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson, Of particular use Series 1, vol 7 (Reading: Augustine, Tractates on John), Series 1, vol 14 (Chrysostom, Homilies on John), Series 2, vol 8 (Reading: Basil, On the Holy Spirit).

14 EARLY CHURCH HISTORY Staniforth, M., and A. Louth, eds. Early Christian Writings. London: Penguin, (Readings on Ep. Barnabas, Ignatius, & Polycarp). Stump, E., and N. Kretzmann, eds. The Cambridge Companion to Augustine. Cambridge University Press, (Note that although a new edition of this work has been published, this first edition contains a number of chapters not appearing in updated form in the second edition, which are still worth consulting). Trigg, J. W. Origen. London: Routledge, Wedderburn, A. J. M. A History of the First Christians. Edinburgh: T&T Clark, White, C. ed. Early Christian Lives. London: Penguin, (Readings on Malchus & Martin of Tours). Williams, R., ed. The Making of Orthodoxy: Essays in Honour of Henry Chadwick. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002.

15 CH305/505 ACT Standards: Grades Grades in assessment instruments are awarded in the following categories- Grade Score GPA Fail (F) 0-49% 0 Pass (P) 50-57% 1 Pass+ (P+) 58-64% 1.5 Credit (C) 65-74% 2 Distinction (D) 75-84% 3 High Distinction (HD) 85+% 4